| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hour 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 425 | 26.6g | 7.2g | 20.5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9.2g | 2.3g | 24.7g | 0.8g |
Every time I whip up this Spiced Roast Chicken with Cyperus Articulatus, it’s like a journey that takes me back to my roots and introduces me to the culinary offerings of my surroundings. Being raised in California, I’ve always loved exploring the freshness of its local produce. The process of blending this with Gujarati spices, something inherited from my Indian heritage, has paved the way for a beautiful symphony of flavors.
Indian-American Fusion at its Best
The beauty of the Spiced Roast Chicken with Cyperus Articulatus lies in its simple yet intricate recipe. It’s a versatile dish; the sweetness of freshly cut apples and pears adds a burst of flavor, complementing the rich, roasted chicken. When you add Cyperus Articulatus, an herb known for its earthy taste and myriad of health benefits, it truly becomes a fusion masterpiece.
This dish reminds me of traditional Indian biryanis, but with a fruity, tangy twist from the West Coast. I imagine this recipe pairing splendidly with a simple side of steamed basmati rice or a refreshing cucumber salad, both offering a cool contrast to the warm, spiced chicken.
Health is Wealth
Every ingredient in this recipe brings its own health benefit to the table. Chicken is high in protein and helps in muscle growth and development. Cyperus Articulatus, a rhizome native to India, is not only flavourful but has potential health benefits such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Apples and pears, rich in fibers and vitamins, promote digestion and boost immunity. The spices, including turmeric and cumin, are not just flavour enhancers but have been associated with many health benefits. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects, while cumin is known for its iron content and digestive benefits. With so many beneficial ingredients, one can enjoy this tasty dish without compromising their health.
Ultimately, cooking is more than just putting ingredients together for me. It’s about celebrating my dual heritage, living healthily and, most importantly, creating a delicious meal that my husband Faisal and our two sons absolutely love. I hope you will enjoy this fusion dish as much as they do.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole roast chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons of crushed Cyperus Articulatus
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 apples, cored and cut into wedges
- 2 pears, cored and cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, prepare your roast chicken by ensuring it is fully thawed, patted dry, and all excess fat or skin is removed.
Step Two
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Cyperus Articulatus, ground cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Add in the zest of your orange to the spice mixture, then cut the orange in half and squeeze in the juice.
Step Three
Rub this spice and citrus mixture all over the outside of your chicken, making sure to get into all the crevices and underneath the skin where possible. Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper.
Step Four
Place the spiced chicken in a large roasting tin. Surround the chicken with apple and pear wedges.
Step Five
For a glaze, mix honey and olive oil together in a small bowl. Drizzle this over the chicken and fruit, making sure everything is well-coated.
Step Six
Place your roasting tin in the preheated oven. Roast for about 90 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken. You can baste the chicken with the pan juices during its cooking time for extra flavor and moisture.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Step Eight
To serve, present the roast chicken with the roasted fruit on a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining pan juices and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Step Nine
Slice the meat into pieces and enjoy your Spiced Roast Chicken with Cyperus Articulatus!
Remember, the roasted apple and pear wedges make a great accompany to this dish along with a nice mixed salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
